Covalently modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a new voltammetric interface for the determination of mercury at picomolar level

Covalent bulk modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes using Fast Violet B salt containing potential donor atoms towards mercury is described. The chemically modified CNTs were characterized by FTIR and XPS techniques. The aqueous colloidal solution of modified CNTs was used in the construction of electrochemical interface for the determination of mercury at picomolar level. The analytical utility of the proposed sensor has been validated by estimating the mercury content in real sample matrices like drinking water and industrial effluent samples.

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► Chemically modified carbon nanotubes have been used as metal ion sensing interface.
► It is free from modifier leaching.
► It determines the mercury at picomolar concentration level.
► It is associated with least interference from commonly existing foreign ions.
► Analytical utility has been validated by applying it to real samples.